Paper grade and paperweight are two terms you’re likely to come across as you learn more about custom packaging.
Paperweight and paper grade terminology can be difficult to understand. It may appear as if you’re reading in a foreign language at times, but don’t be alarmed. As time goes on, you’ll be able to decipher abbreviations like Cover 100#, Gloss Text 80#, and 24# Uncoated, just like the professionals.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of packaging paperweights and grades right away.
Paper Weights: A Quick Guide
For packaging purposes, paperweights are useful in determining the thickness or thickness, as well as indicating the paper’s durability.
When it comes to paperweights, it’s important to keep in mind that the method used in the USA differs from that used in other countries.
Paperweight is based on the country of origin in the United States. A square unit of paper weighs less than a pound in the rest of the world.
When you have the same type of paper from two different paper mills, the measurement system becomes more complicated. Even if the two sheets of paper are identical in appearance, the manufacturing process may be different for each of them.
Inquiring into the Different Paper Grades
Paper grades are determined by the intended use of the paper. They are as follows:
Printing Papers That Aren’t Coated in any Way
Uncoated offset papers are a popular commodity grade.
As a result of its alkaline, rather than acidic, composition, this type of paper is frequently used for archival purposes. In addition, the paper’s internal bonding is excellent, and the paper itself is quite durable.
Depending on the finish, offset paper can weigh anywhere from 50 pounds to 80 pounds and have a smooth, vellum, or patterned finish like linen.
The quality of the pulp in the opaque paper is superior to that of regular paper. It’s also true to its name that this type of paper has a higher opacity, which makes it harder to see through.
Read Also: Cosmetic Box Packaging
With a satin finish, film coat, or a simple thin coat, opaque paper can be finished in many ways.
A Piece of Paper
Corporate letters and even handwritten notes often use this paper, which is also known as Correspondence or Bond Papers. It can be found nestled inside your home printer or office printer, depending on where you work.
Adding a watermark or cotton fibers to this type of paper will make it more durable and give it a more refined appearance.
Text and cover papers are included in the package.
Text and cover papers are high-quality, uncoated papers that can be used for everything from report covers to business cards. There are many different types of presentation papers to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics that make them perfect for any occasion.
Packaging Uses 4 Common Paper Grades:
Things like 100# and various coated or uncoated types can overwhelm you. To be sure, there is a trick to deciphering the paper’s grading.
The more GSM or PT Units a piece of paper has, the thicker it is. More weight can be supported by a thicker material, which is more resistant to wear and tear.
If you’re looking for the best stock or custom paperboard, here are the four most common grades you’ll likely find:
Backboards coated in clay for the news (CCNB)
If you’re concerned about moisture affecting your product, it’s best not to use this type of packaging because of its nature and composition. This type of paper is most commonly use to create foldable carton packaging.
It’s not a popular paper grade because of its lower quality, its inability to hold much weight in terms of product, and its greater sensitivity to moisture than other paper grades. Still, if you’re looking for something fast, simple, and inexpensive, there’s no better option than this.
Pet food, detergent, and other dry goods, such as noodles or beans, are frequently package in this paper.
Read Also: Create Pantone Color Palette
2. Box Board Folding (FBB)
Chemical and mechanical processes are combine to create a pulp that’s several layers thick, which provides exceptional strength and durability to folding boxboard, or FBB. This paper’s chemical layer is breach, making it an ideal surface for producing prints of exceptional quality.
Compared to other grades of paper, this material is a good choice for a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals, as it is stiffer.
3. Solid Sulfate-Bleached Board (SBS)
SBS, or Solid Bleached Sulfate, is the ultimate packaging material.
Similar to folding box boards, SBS fibers are chemically pulp and then bleaches before they can be use. Bleached pulp is use to make boxes after this process.
Having a white surface on both the inside and outside of the box makes it ideal for printing. Spot UV printing, embossing and debossing, hot foil stamping, and more all are using on this level of packaging.
A wide range of industries can benefit from this type of packaging, from food and tobacco to personal care products and everything in between.
4. Unbleached Kraft or Natural Kraft (SUS or CUK)
It’s best if you care about nature and want to use packaging that’s as green as possible.
Because of its incredible tensile strength and tear-resistant design, it’s equally suitable for packaging heavy beverages, cosmetics, and other items as food. Add a layer of kaolin clay to improve the printing quality even further.
Get Your Packaging Project Off to a Great Start by Choosing the Right Paper Grade.
Paper grades and weights, as well as specialty printing options like foil stamping, can be overwhelming or confusing, so it’s understandable if you’re unsure about which is best for your retail packaging.
The great news is that you’re not on your own when it comes to navigating the ambiguity of paper grades and weights. We handle all aspects of packaging for your convenience. Want to learn more about the different types and grades of paper and the benefits and drawbacks of each?
No matter what type of product you want to protect, we have packaging that is completely customizable.
We’ll listen to your vision for your product packaging and help you design something durable and eye-catching. So you can focus on marketing and selling while we handle the packaging design and printing.
